Drug Free Schools and Communities Act
The Federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1990 contains Section 20, Drug Free Schools and Campuses, which was enacted to ensure that any institution of higher education that received funds under any federal program has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol by students. No student may engage in the unlawful manufacture, possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on the Technical College’s property or as part of any of its sponsored activities. Such unlawful activity may be considered sufficient grounds for serious punitive action, including expulsion. Disciplinary sanctions for students convicted of a felony offense involving alcohol or the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession or use of marijuana, controlled substances or other illegal or dangerous drugs shall be immediate suspension and denial of further state and/or federal funds from the date of conviction. Specifically in the case of a drug related offense the student shall minimally be suspended for the remainder of the quarter and forfeit all academic credit for that period.
WGTC shall notify the appropriate state/federal funding agency within 10 days after receiving notice of the conviction from the student or otherwise after receiving the actual notice of conviction. Within 30 days of notification of conviction, the Technical College shall with respect to any student so convicted:
- Take additional appropriate action against such student up to and including expulsion as it deems necessary.
- Provide such student with a description of any drug or alcohol counseling treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are available for such purposes by a federal, state or local health, law enforcement or other appropriate agency.
WGTC is responsible for ensuring the development and implementation of a drug free awareness program to inform students of the following:
- The dangers of drug and alcohol abuse on the campus and elsewhere.
- Any available drug and alcohol counseling, rehabilitation and assistance programs.
- Any penalties to be imposed upon students for drug and alcohol abuse violations occurring on the campus.